Kemin Industries Celebrates 61 Years of Transforming Lives
Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80% of the world with its products and services, is launching its global “61 Since ’61” themed anniversary celebration to commemorate 61 years since its founding in 1961.
Every day, billions of people around the globe interact with any number of Kemin’s 500-plus specialty ingredients. Tortillas that stay fresher longer; dog kibble that is more palatable and nutritious; supplements that protect eye health; meat raised without antibiotics; apples free of pests and pesticides; denim that requires fewer resources to treat—Kemin science and solutions can be found in any of these everyday items.
Initially created to provide feed flavors, crop preservatives, and antioxidants to Midwest farmers, Kemin’s business has greatly expanded since 1961. Today, Kemin operates in more than 90 countries and applies its technologies and expertise in molecular science across a variety of industries to offer products with functional benefits that enhance the health and safety of people, pets, production animals, plants, and the planet. Six decades later, Kemin remains focused on transforming the quality of life.
With more than USD1bn in annual sales, the multinational, family-owned-and-operated company is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.—on the site of the old wool barn where Kemin’s co-founder, R.W. Nelson, created the company’s first products. The site is now part of a 70-acre campus that is home to Kemin’s USD30m global headquarters, built for future expansion and additional research facilities.
“For six decades, Kemin has continued to grow our global footprint with the foundational philosophy of serving others—from our customers to our communities—to improve the quality of life. This basis has driven Kemin’s product innovation and new market entry around the world,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Kemin Industries and second-generation Nelson family member. “As an essential business serving the global food supply chain, our work became even more critical during the pandemic, and our employees, customers, and partners remained deeply committed as we all faced the crisis. In 2022, with a deeper recognition and appreciation of all we’ve accomplished together, we’re commemorating 61 years of innovation and celebrating our history.”